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POLITICSOct 6The low-hanging fruit to address traffic congestionMOTORISTS, transport workers and commuters are in a panic once more as fuel prices increase due to the conflict in the Middle East. And as we enter the “ber” months, we can only expect traffic congestion to worsen. There are many ways we can address our transport crisis, but based on my experience, the best solutions tend to be the simplest ones. Active mobility is low-hanging fruit because it is the most direct and cost-efficient means of reducing congestion and pollution in our cities. What is active transportation? Active transportation is a collective term for all forms of human-powered mobility. This usually refers to walking and cycling, but it also includes public transportation to a certain extent. After all, commuters must walk or cycle to access transit stations. Everyone uses active transportation, even those with private vehicles. That is because walking is the most basic form of mobility; we are all pedestrians first and foremost, which is why we cannot afford to neglect it in the planning and development of cities. The right tool for the right job When planning our transportation system, we must employ the right tool for the right job. This is especially true for cities where space is limited, and people are plentiful. Walking is ideal for short distances, such as moving within central business districts or residential areas, or going to transit hubs. Meanwhile, cycling is suitable for much longer distances, depending on the terrain, weather, and other factors. Active transportation is already ideal for many basic trips that we make in our daily lives, such as going to the convenience store, grocery, bank, restaurant, café and other errands within the neighborhood. If you could walk or ride a bicycle for any of these trips, instead of driving, then you would not have to worry about traffic congestion, parking and fuel expenses. Why make life harder when there are more efficient alternatives? Car-centricism vs transport equity The problem with Metro Manila and many other cities is that our infrastructure and policies are “car-centric,” instinctively prioritizing the movement and convenience of motor vehicles. The consequence of increased automobile usage is that even the most basic of trips become excruciatingly unbearable. What could have been a five-minute drive to the mall could easily end up taking half an hour or longer — and that doesn’t even include finding parking. That is why we must exhaust all modes of transportation, starting with what is most efficient and equitable. Policy as the backbone of infrastructure Design dictates behavior, and so do infrastructure and policy. Despite the cross-cutting benefits of active mobility, such as reduced travel time and transportation expenses, improved health and wellness, and cleaner air, people will not actively choose it over private motoring unless certain conditions are met. The Netherlands-based CROW Design Manual for Bicycle Traffic outlines five core principles for urban design: cohesion, directness, safety, comfort and attractiveness. Moving people is different from transporting cargo because we must prioritize the health, wellness and safety of living beings as they travel around their city. If the global best practices are already known, why don’t more cities adopt them? That is where policy comes into play. Policy is crucial because it serves as the legal mandate and framework for the national and local governments. Without it, there would be no obligation for public officials to promote active transportation. When I was consulted for the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, I made sure this was explicitly stated: “Pedestrians and cyclists will be accorded highest priority in the hierarchy of road users.” In other words, those with less in wheels must have more in roads. Low-hanging fruit Active transportation is low-hanging fruit because of its affordability and plentiful benefits. Compared to building a new rail line or a new expressway, improving sidewalks and bike lanes costs only a fraction in terms of time and money. Local governments can also use tactical urbanism to experiment with different setups before committing to a long-term investment. Maintenance is much cheaper because pedestrians and cyclists inflict little to no wear and tear, compared to motor vehicles. Active transportation also reduces healthcare expenses because regular exercise prevents chronic diseases. In fact, studies show that people who reside in walkable and bikeable neighborhoods live longer than those who live in car-dependent suburban areas. ‘Move people, not just cars’ During a workshop organized by political science students from Paris, I, along with other stakeholders, discussed the policy and infrastructure of cycling in Metro Manila. The findings of that event were that, although we have good policies on paper, they are not apparent in the on-the-ground reality. That is because we have a flawed definition of mobility. The root problem is that we still equate mobility with vehicular traffic, and measure our infrastructure based on the volume and speed of cars. And this is reflected in the priorities and projects of national agencies and transport departments of local government units. We need a paradigm shift, one where we measure mobility, not by vehicular traffic, but by people throughput. Until there is dignity in mobility, “move people, not just cars” remains the battle cry of urbanists, mobility advocates and frustrated commuters alike. Civic participation and government accountability Ultimately, the issue of mobility and transportation boils down to governance and civic participation. The Netherlands is a prime example with the Stop de Kindermoord movement. Long before Amsterdam and other Dutch cities became the cycling paradise they are known for today, they were no different from Metro Manila, with congested and chaotic streets filled with automobiles. However, they realized the deeper cost: If they continued building more roads for more cars, more children would get killed in vehicular collisions. As a result of the protests, the government seriously invested in active transportation to make walking and cycling safe and convenient. The Dutch are among the happiest people in the world because they do not waste their time in traffic jams. In our country, active transportation alone will not eradicate traffic congestion. But it will alleviate the problem by reducing the number of vehicles on the road and by empowering people with an additional means of mobility. Just as Rome wasn’t built overnight, we can’t expect Metro Manila to instantly transform. However, that should not deter us from striving for a better and more livable city. The question is not whether we are trying to fix things, but whether we are willing to adopt proven global practices and fight for it. That is why we need visionary leadership, good governance and strong political will.manilatimes · philippines
POLITICSOct 6Groups Associated With India’s Far-Right Receive Millions Through US Donor-Advised FundsSign up here to receive Bellingcat’s biggest investigations by email as soon as they are published. US non-profits whose founding leaders or organisations have been associated with India’s controversial Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – or initiatives the Hindu nationalist group has endorsed – received millions of dollars over recent years through grants that allow donors […] The post Groups Associated With India’s Far-Right Receive Millions Through US Donor-Advised Funds appeared first on bellingcat.Bellingcat
POLITICSOct 6Rahul, Priyanka among 260 detained during INDIA bloc march to ECI in Delhi10 MPs among those detained after protesters breach police barricades; Gandhi siblings later removed from Akashvani Bhawan sit-inThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6October 7 last date for submission of claims and objections for SIR in TelanganaOctober 7 has been set as the final deadline for submitting claims and objections related to SIR in Telangana.The Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Step up pace of Amaravati construction works, Andhra CM Naidu asks contracting agenciesIncrease the monthly execution value to ₹2,000 crore through better planning and coordination, says the Chief MinisterThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6‘Sudden action seems bit strange’: Omar Abdullah after 150 flown out of J&K for deportationOmar Abdullah has questioned the sudden action of flying 150 individuals out of Jammu and Kashmir for deportation, deeming it unusual. This development indicates significant government action and subsequent political commentary.Indian Express
POLITICSOct 6Supreme Court order on obstructions along elephant corridors triggers major political row in KeralaKerala elephant corridor: Supreme Court order sparks major political row involving resort owners and officials over clearing obstructions in Chinnakkanal and Idukki region.deccanherald · india
POLITICSOct 6‘Extraordinary Courage’: US House Passes Resolution Honouring Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar Who Fought Off Flydubai Cockpit AttackThe US House of Representatives has passed a resolution honouring Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage in thwarting a cockpit attack by his Omani co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv last week. The resolution, titled “Honoring Captain Smit Machchhar and the crew and passengers of Flydubai Flight 1073, and condemning the attempted terrorist attack on that flight”, was introduced by Representatives Josh Gottheimer, Don Bacon and Michael McCaul. Captain Machchhar Fought Off Cockpit Attack According to the resolution, Flydubai Flight 1073 departed Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on September 30, carrying around 174 passengers, including 27 children and four US citizens. Midway through the flight, First Officer Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Machchhar with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe and attempted to take control of the plane. The aircraft subsequently lost more than 14,000 feet of altitude in less than 30 seconds, according to the resolution. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to fight off the attack and unlock the cockpit door, allowing off-duty pilots to enter. The crew and passengers then restrained the first officer. Plane Makes Emergency Landing In Saudi Arabia The aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, with all passengers and crew accounted for. The resolution also commended the off-duty pilots, cabin crew and passengers for their actions in securing the cockpit and helping bring the aircraft safely to the ground. UAE Probe Calls Incident Attempted Terrorist Act The United Arab Emirates launched an investigation into the incident. On October 3, the UAE Attorney General said the investigation had determined that the first officer had attempted to carry out a terrorist act. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the motive, possible links and physical and digital evidence. Authorities in other countries are also looking into the case. What The US House Resolution Says The resolution honours Machchhar for “extraordinary courage” in protecting everyone aboard the aircraft and commends those who helped secure the flight deck. It also wishes Machchhar and others injured in the incident a full recovery and condemns the attack as an act of terrorism and an attack on the safety of international civil aviation. US House of Representatives passes resolution honouring Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who foiled the terrorist attack on flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. US Resolution to honor Indian pilot introduced by: Josh Gottheimer, Don Bacon and Michael McCaul https://t.co/NSbVV9JKYy — ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2026 The resolution calls for a full and expeditious investigation by the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while urging that the United States and Israel be kept fully informed of the findings.abplive · india
POLITICSOct 6CBI files corruption case against Punjab CM’s aide after High Court orderThe CBI has booked six people, including two public servants, middlemen, and associates, following the registration of the FIRThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Keralam Public Works Minister welcomes probe against Gyanesh, says KSTP episode should serve as warningP.K. Basheer says the controversy should not be viewed merely as a matter of the past, but as a warning for the State as it undertakes major infrastructure projects worth crores of rupeesThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Stop daily drama, learn from Modi to win people’s support: BJP to CongressThe BJP has advised the Congress to stop daily drama and instead learn from Modi to gain public support. This reflects ongoing political rivalry and strategic commentary between major parties.Indian Express
POLITICSOct 6HC Summons DGP, home secretary in minor’s detention caseHC Summons DGP, home secretary in minor’s detention casetoi · india
POLITICSOct 6Provisional Census data to be available by March-April 2027: J&K and Ladakh Census chiefLadakh completed entire Census exercise on October 5, first among all States and UTs; snow-bound areas of Himalayan States also completed the exercise; many people confused Census with SIR exercise, says J&K Census chiefThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Officials told to gear up for urban local body polls in A.P.Addressing a meeting, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary stresses adherence to State Election Commission guidelines, cautioning that even minor lapses could attract serious consequencesThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6BJP to hold ‘Seva Jyothi Yatra’ across Andhra Pradesh on October 7It is a part of the month-long ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’ that kick-started on September 17, says party leader Yamini SharmaThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Basavaraj Gadgay elected IETE national vice-presidentBasavaraj Gadgay has been elected as the national vice-president of IETE. This is a leadership change within a national organization.The Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Students should solve their issues with V-Cs through talks, says Keralam GovernorDLitt degree presented to filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad and industrialist P.K. Ahammed. DSc degree presented to scientist E.D. JemmisThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Fresh push for A.P’s Kotipalli-Narsapur railway line projectAmalapuram MP G.M. Harish Balayogi assured coordination with NDA partners to complete the railway line project during talks in New Delhi on Tuesday.The Hindu
POLITICSOct 6‘Cockroach stir stripped Modi’s carefully confected image’: Arundhati RoyAcclaimed Indian author talks to Al Jazeera on the Gen Z-led protests and allegations of vote theft by Modi government.Al Jazeera [en]
POLITICSOct 6Gujarat initiatives to Op Sindoor, Cabinet hails 25 years of Modi governanceThe Cabinet celebrates 25 years of Modi's governance, highlighting various Gujarat initiatives up to 'Op Sindoor'. This signifies an assessment and commendation of a political leader's long-term leadership.Indian Express
POLITICSOct 6India opposition parties rally for election chief’s exit over voter list changesOpposition parties held protests in India’s capital New Delhi on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of the country’s election chief over a contentious revision of voter lists as hundreds of police personnel were deployed across the heart of the city. Tuesday’s demonstration is the latest in a series of near-daily protests beginning last week by student groups, opposition parties and India's “Cockroach” youth movement.France 24 [en]
POLITICSOct 6Pre-filled Form 7 Muslim voter deletions linked to BJP, alleges OwaisiThe Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan inaugurates six Nagaravanams, calls for boosting eco-tourismWith the six new urban forests at Bapatla, Chirala, Kotappakonda, Vinukonda, Piduguralla and Macherla, developed across 304.60 hectares at a cost of ₹13 crore, the total Nagaravanams in the State has gone up to 25The Hindu
POLITICSOct 6Komatireddy seeks 6+2 lane expansion of Hyderabad–Vijayawada highwayKomatireddy is advocating for the expansion of the Hyderabad–Vijayawada highway to improve infrastructure. This highlights a proposed governmental project for regional development.The Hindu
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